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Messi: Why The Olympics Is So Special

Argentina captain Lionel Messi may not be taking part in the Olympics Games in August, but he has now revealed why the competition is so special for him.

The FC Barcelona superstar will be leading his nation at the Copa America next month after it was agreed, between club and country, that the 28-year-old will not play in both major competitions this year.

Messi has now admitted he is disappointed at not being involved in this year's Games, and touched on why the international showpiece holds a special place in his heart.

"I would have liked to go because it was a spectacular experience for me to play in the (2008) Olympics, just as it was for the (2005) U20 World Cup," Messi told ESPN.

"Not just because we won, but for the experience I gained.

"It was a great experience to stay in the Olympic Village and meet other elite athletes from other sports and to be just another athlete among them; that was very spectacular, even though we didn't spend a lot of time in the Village.

"The World Cup is great but the Olympics is something special."

Argentina will be chasing their third Olympic gold medal at the Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.